Wat Khao Takiab Hua Hin
Hilltop Buddhist temple with a grand shrine, offering breathtaking sea views and a lively monkey population.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views & fewer crowds
Wat Khao Takiab Hua Hin
Best Time
Golden hour views & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hilltop Buddhist temple with a grand shrine, offering breathtaking sea views and a lively monkey population.
"We came for the view, but the monkeys took over! This place is WILD."
🐒 Secure Your Snacks!
Monkeys are bold! Keep all food and drinks hidden to avoid surprise snatchers.
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or late to snag a spot. Consider a taxi or Bolt for the steep climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Big Buddha
Summit of Khao Takiab
A grand, colorful Buddha statue offering panoramic views of Hua Hin's coastline.
The Famous Monkey Residents
Throughout Khao Takiab hill
Encounter numerous monkeys roaming freely; a unique and memorable wildlife experience.
Panoramic Sea Views
Summit of Khao Takiab
Breathtaking vistas of Hua Hin beach and the Gulf of Thailand, especially magical at sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Monkey Business: Be Prepared!
Timing is Key for Views & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐒 Secure Your Snacks!
Monkeys are bold! Keep all food and drinks hidden to avoid surprise snatchers.
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or late to snag a spot. Consider a taxi or Bolt for the steep climb.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb can be steep and tiring, so good footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic sea views, especially at sunset, are perfect for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐒 Secure Your Snacks!
Monkeys are bold! Keep all food and drinks hidden to avoid surprise snatchers.
🚗 Parking is Limited
Arrive early or late to snag a spot. Consider a taxi or Bolt for the steep climb.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb can be steep and tiring, so good footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic sea views, especially at sunset, are perfect for photos.
💰 Free Entry
There's no admission fee, making it an accessible attraction.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the stunning sea views and the lively monkey population at Wat Khao Takiab. While the free entry and scenic beauty are major draws, some note that the temple grounds can appear a bit worn. The main caution revolves around the bold monkeys, urging visitors to secure their belongings and refrain from feeding them.
"Monkey mountain is no misnomer, there were indeed monkeys and plenty of them. It's quite a hill, so we took a taxi with Bolt up. The view is excellent at sunset and there are almost no tourists at this time either, but the temple was shut when we visited. We came for the view and monkeys and left very satisfied, taking a stroll down the hill to the restaurants at the foot of the hill serving fresh seafood."
Timothy Langer
"Be careful with the monkeys! They may suddenly jump out and grab food from your hands.
My son was holding a cup of Cha Tra Mue tea when a monkey sneaked up from behind, frightened him badly, and he had to drop his drink. He ended up crying, feeling very upset."
Thanh Hien Nguyen
"Walkable distance from Hua Hin beach but could be tiring due to steep hill. Quiet but full of monkeys so be careful not to provoke or feed them. Parking is available but limited."
Thitikan Khamwan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a Songthaew (shared taxi) for about 10 baht from Hua Hin train market, or a taxi/Bolt for around 100 baht. Some visitors prefer to drive and park in nearby alleys.
It's a walkable distance, but the hill is steep and can be tiring. Many opt for transport to reach the top.
Parking is available but limited, often found in nearby alleys or on the roadside. Arriving early or late is recommended.
While you can walk, many visitors take a taxi or Bolt up the steep incline to save energy for exploring the summit.
Yes, Songthaews are a common and affordable way to reach Khao Takiab from Hua Hin town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Wat Khao Takiab is free, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors.
While the temple grounds are generally accessible, specific shrine hours might vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours. Some visitors noted the temple was shut when they arrived late.
Since there is no entrance fee, advance booking is not required for Wat Khao Takiab.
Official closing times aren't always clearly posted, but it's advisable to visit during daylight hours. Some reviews mention the temple being closed later in the day.
Parking is generally free, though it can be limited.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Hua Hin beach, the Big Buddha statue, and the surrounding coastline. The monkey population also provides unique photo opportunities.
While tempting, it's advised not to feed or provoke the monkeys. Keep your distance and secure your belongings to avoid any incidents.
Sunset is highly recommended for its beautiful light and dramatic sea views, creating a magical atmosphere.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and be mindful of the religious nature of the site and the presence of wildlife.
The area around the Big Buddha statue and the highest points of the hill offer the most expansive and picturesque views.
🎫 🐒 Wildlife Encounters
The most prominent wildlife are the numerous monkeys that inhabit the hill. You might also see birds and dogs.
While generally not aggressive, they are known to be opportunistic and may snatch food. It's crucial not to feed them and to be cautious.
Remain calm, do not make direct eye contact, and slowly back away. Secure any food or drinks you are carrying.
No, feeding the monkeys is strongly discouraged. It can lead to aggressive behavior and disrupt their natural diet.
The main concern is the monkeys' tendency to grab food. Keep a safe distance and be aware of your surroundings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants located at the foot of the hill, serving fresh seafood.
The restaurants at the base of the hill specialize in fresh seafood, offering a great dining experience after your visit.
You can bring food and drinks, but it's highly recommended to keep them secured as the monkeys are very attracted to them.
While the main dining options are at the base, some small stalls might be present. It's best to be prepared with your own snacks if needed, but keep them hidden.
Visitors often enjoy the fresh seafood and the convenience of dining at the foot of the hill after exploring.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking a taxi or Bolt up the hill to save little legs from the steep climb. The stunning views from the top provide a great reward, and the large Buddha statue is also an impressive sight for children. Pack snacks, but keep them well-hidden!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with capturing the monkeys in their natural habitat, but always from a safe distance. The panoramic vistas from the summit offer excellent opportunities for landscape shots. Remember to bring a lens that can handle both wide-angle scenes and telephoto shots for wildlife.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While there are restaurants at the base of the hill, you can save money by bringing your own snacks and water, ensuring they are kept securely away from the monkeys. The experience itself, with its views and wildlife, offers significant value without any admission fee.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Khao Takiab: More Than Just Monkeys
+1Beyond the religious significance, the hill is teeming with a large population of macaques. These monkeys are a major draw for many visitors, offering unique and often humorous interactions. However, their presence also necessitates caution, as they are known to be bold and will attempt to snatch food and belongings.
Despite some reviews mentioning the site being 'worn down,' the natural beauty, the impressive Buddha statue, and the sheer number of monkeys create a memorable experience. The unique atmosphere, with birds flying overhead almost silently, adds to the site's almost surreal charm.
Navigating Khao Takiab: Transport and Accessibility
Many visitors choose to drive and park in the vicinity, with parking available in nearby alleys or along the roadside. However, parking can be limited, especially during peak times. The climb up the hill itself can be quite steep and tiring, leading many to take a taxi or Bolt directly to the summit to conserve energy for exploring the views and the temple.
While the site is accessible by various means, the steepness of the hill means comfortable footwear is essential if you plan to walk any significant portion. The journey to the top offers a gradual ascent, with opportunities to observe the monkeys and the changing scenery as you climb.
The Monkey Phenomenon at Khao Takiab
However, this abundance of wildlife comes with a strong advisory: do not feed the monkeys. They are adept at snatching food and drinks, and this can lead to frightening encounters, as one visitor recounted their son being startled and dropping his drink. Keeping all food items securely stored and out of sight is paramount.
While the monkeys are a highlight, it's important to maintain a respectful distance and avoid provoking them. Their presence, though sometimes overwhelming, adds a unique wildness to the temple complex, making it a memorable destination for wildlife enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit